phd social work curriculum

College of Education and Human Development

School of Social Work

PhD in Social Work

Established in 1946, our program is one of the oldest in the United States, and develops a mentoring partnership between nationally prominent faculty and students to promote knowledge and skills in theory development and community-based research. The research productivity of our faculty was ranked 20th out of 76 U.S. social work doctoral programs in a recent study 

Our graduates include internationally recognized scholars in diverse areas of study. Alumni go on to faculty and academic leadership roles in schools of social work around the world, as well as agency and program directors, and high-level servants in federal, state, and local government agencies. 

Learn about the PhD program in social work at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Scholarship, research, and teaching which contribute to the knowledge base of social work and foster a just, nurturing, inclusive society.

Program Highlights

• Highly productive faculty. Collaborate with our faculty and research and training centers to conduct, write, and publish research in child welfare, aging, mental health, violence prevention, health disparities, social welfare policy, international social work, work with immigrants and refugees, and other social work related research areas.
• Generous funding for PhD students. The majority of our students receive a four-year funding package that covers tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Many students also secure dissertation fellowships, and we help students secure assistantships for funding for their fifth year.
• Teaching and professional development. Gain skills in teaching and curriculum development. We provide doctoral colloquia focusing both on current research and professional and career development.
• Diverse student body. Our graduate students come from Minnesota, across the nation, and from around the world, giving the learning and research experience depth and breadth in lived experiences and perspectives.
• Structured research mentoring experiences. Our PhD program relies heavily on a mentoring model, and PhD students work closely with faculty members throughout the program. Mentoring is seen as a vital part of the teaching and learning process within the doctoral program. 

Fall 2024 Applications

Notice: Application deadline is December 1st, 2024!

To learn more about the application process, consider attending a one-hour information session:

Thursday, August 8th - 1:00pm

Wednesday, September 18th - 6:00pm

Tuesday, October 15th - 1:00pm

Thursday, November 14th - 1:00pm

Questions about applying? You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with Director of Admissions, Larissa Lavrov .

Program Outline

Students take two years of coursework both inside and outside the School of Social Work, including required courses in research methods, statistics, theory, history, policy and teaching, as well as supporting program courses from across the university. Students typically complete their preliminary examinations and defend their dissertation proposal, and then complete their dissertation in their fourth or fifth year.

Careers of Social Work PhD Graduates

This is a selected list of institutions where recent University of Minnesota School of Social Work graduates have found positions:

Research Universities

• State University of New York at Buffalo
• Tulane University
• University of Arkansas
• University of Kansas
• University of Memphis
• University of Texas
• University of Utah
• Virginia Commonwealth University

Teaching Universities

• Augsburg University
• California State University - Chico
• Colorado State University - Pueblo
• Providence College
• Radford University 
• University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Institutes and Foundations

• Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota
• Health Partners Research Foundation
• Minnesota Minority Education Partnership

Applied/Administrative Positions

• Children’s Defense Fund
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• NASW-MN  

International Universities

• National University Taiwan
• Tel Aviv University
• Self-Directed Services for the Long-Term Supports of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
• Social Work, Intractable Conflict and Professionalism: A Case Study of Jewish-Israeli Social Work Practice
• Omayeletumbulo [wisdom sayings] as a Pathway to School Engagement for Young Mothers in Rural Namibia
• County Exemption from Social Work Licensure in Minnesota: Understanding the Past and Present to Affect the Future
• Animal-Assisted Interactions for College Student Mental Health and a Conceptual Model of Practice
• Environmental Effects on Cognitive Health in Older Adults: Insights for Long-Term Care Services
• “This is how we show up for our relatives”: Understanding How Indigenous Relative Caregivers Embody Traditional Kinship to Resist the Colonial Child Welfare System
• Perceived Discrimination and Depressive Symptom Trajectories of Middle-aged and Older Adults with Chronic Diseases
• Student Stories of Resilience After Campus Sexual Assault
• How do Contextual Factors and Family Support Influence Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse During Forensic Interviews and Service Outcomes in Child Protection Cases?
• Moral Injury Among Professionals in K-12 Education: A Mixed Methods Inquiry
• Making Sense of Poverty in Child Welfare: A Grounded Theory Informed Study of Public and Tribal Child Welfare Workers' Poverty Constructions, Perceptions of Causes, and Praxis
• Neighborhood Social Capital and the Health and Health Risk Behavior of Adolescent Immigrants and Non-Immigrants

Sampling of PhD Student Publications

Our PhD students routinely co-author with faculty and other researchers at the School of Social Work and across campus. Nearly all PhD students graduate with multiple peer reviewed articles, multiple presentations at national/international research conferences, and teaching experience as the instructor of record of undergraduate or graduate courses. The following is just a sampling of the recent peer-reviewed articles published by our students, either as sole author or in collaboration with others.

Carlson , W. C. (2023). Implementation challenges of T visa eligibility for human trafficking survivors: a role for social work. Social Work , 68(3), 222-229.

Flangan, S. , Sterman, J., & Merighi, J. R., Batty, R. (2023). Bridging the gap – How interprofessional collaboration can support family-centered emergency preparedness: An exploratory qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 23(1):777.

Haight, W. L., Suleiman , J. , Flanagan , S. K. , Park, S. , Soltani, L. J. , Carlson, W. C. , Otis , J. R. , & Turck, K. S. (2023). Reflections on social work education during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of faculty members and lessons moving forward. Qualitative Social Work , 22(5), 938-955.

Samimi, C., Jefferson, N., Flanagan , S. , & Anyon, Y. (2023). Intersections of disproportion: A critical quantitative examination of dis/ability and gender in Black students’ school discipline outcomes. The Urban Review , 1-20.

Soffer-Elnekave , R. , Haight, W., Nashandi , N. J. , Cho, M., Suleiman , J. , & Park , S. (2023). Re-orienting narratives of moral injury towards positive development: The experiences of emerging adults with child welfare histories. Children and Youth Services Review , 149, 106922.

Soria, K. M., Horgos , B. , & Shenouda, J. D. (2023). Disparities in college students’ financial hardships during the Covid-19 pandemic. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice , 60(1), 31-48.

Toft, J., Lightfoot, E., Calhoun, M ., Choy-Brown, M., Merighi, J. R., Renner, L. M., Soffer-Elnekave, R. , Mendel, J., & Marsalis, S. (2023). Effects of neoliberalism on social work practice in the United States: A scoping review. Social Work Research , 47(2), 99-110. 

Renner, L. M., Driessen, M. C. , & Lewis-Dmello, A. (2022). An evaluation of a parent group for survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence , 37(2), 247-259.

Soria K., Horgos B ., Roberts B.J. (2022). The COVID‐19 pandemic and students’ mental health. New Directions for Student Services, 176, 37-45. 

Lee, M. H., Hong, S., & Merighi, J. R. (2021). The effect of fatalism on mammography use in Korean American women. Health Education & Behavior , 49(4), 740−749.

Lightfoot, E., Yun, H. , Moone, R., Otis, J ., Suleiman, K., Turck, K ., & Kutzler, C. (2021). Changes to family caregiving of older adults and adults with disabilities during COVID-19. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine , 7, 1-8.

Mervis, J. E., Fischer, J ., Cooper, S. E., Deckert, A. C., Lysaker, P. H., MacDonald III, A. W., & Meyer-Kalos, P. (2021). Introspective accuracy for substance use across a year of treatment for first episode psychosis. Schizophrenia Research: Cognition , 26, 100200.

Renner, L. M., Hartley, C. C., & Driessen, M. C. (2021). Provider, caretaker, nurturer, hero: Perceptions of parenting changes among women who experienced intimate partner violence. Journal of Child and Family Studies , 30(9), 2191-2203.

Soria, K., & Horgos, B. (2021). Factors associated with college students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of College Student Development, 62(2), 107-113. 

An, S., Lee, H. Y., Choi, Y. J., & Yoon, Y. J. (2020). Literacy of breast cancer and screening guideline in an immigrant group: importance of health accessibility. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health , 22, 563-570.

Lightfoot, E., Zheng, M ., & DeZelar, S . (2021). Substantiation of child maltreatment among parents with disabilities in the United States. Journal of Public Child Welfare , 15(5), 583-596.

Renner, L. M., Driessen, M. C. , & Lewis-Dmello, A. (2020). A pilot study evaluation of a parent group for survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence , 35, 203-215.

Cho, M. , Haight. W., Choi, W. S., Hong, S. H., & Piescher, K. (2019). A prospective, longitudinal study of risk factors for early onset of delinquency among maltreated youth.Children and Youth Services Review, 102, 222-230.

Choi, Y. J., Lee, H. Y., An, S., Yoon, Y. J. , & Oh, J. (2019). Predictors of cervical cancer screening awareness and literacy among Korean-American women. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 7(1), 1–9.

Driessen, M. C. (2019). Campus sexual assault policies: A feminist policy analysis framework. Affilia, 35(3) 1-16. doi:10.1177/0886109919878273

Driessen, M. C. (2019). Campus sexual assault & student activism, 1970-1990. Qualitative Social Work, 19(3), 1-16. doi:10.1177/1473325019828805

Emery, C. R., Wu, S., Eremina, T., Yoon, Y. J. , Kim, S., & Yang, H. (2019). Does informal social control deter child abuse? A comparative study of Koreans and Russians. International journal on child maltreatment: research, policy and practice, 2(2), 37–54.

Gibson, P., Haight, W., Cho, M., Nashandi, N. J., & Yoon, Y. J. (2019). A mixed methods study of Black Girls' vulnerability to out-of-school suspensions: The intersection of race and gender. Children and Youth Services Review, 102, 169–176.

Haight, W., Waubanascum, C., Glesener, D. , Day, P., Bussey, B., & Nichols, K. (2019). The Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies: Reducing disparities through Indigenous social work education. Children and Youth Services Review, 100, 156-166.

Kiesel, L, DeZelar, S. & Lightfoot, E. (2019). Equity in social work employment in the United States: Opportunity and challenges for social workers with disabilities. Disability & Society.

Kivnick, H. Q., Driessen, M. C., Santavasy, C. , Wardwell, C., & Davis, L. D. (2019). “Who’s Been Putting Socks in My Drawer?” Narrative case study of an elder role model. The Gerontologist, 1-10. doi:10.1093/geront/gnz114

Lee, H.Y., Beltran, R.M. , Kwon, M., Kim, G.N., Lee, D.K. (2019). Racial disparities in cervical cancer screening: Implications for relieving cervical cancer burden in Asian American Pacific Islander women. Cancer Nursing: An International Journal for Cancer Care.

Lightfoot, E. & DeZelar, S . (2019). Social work with parents with disabilities: Historical interactions and contemporary innovations. Social Work Review, 2, 1-10.

Lightfoot, E., Franklin, C., & Beltran, R . (2019). Preparing for the academic job market: A guide for social work doctoral students and their mentors. Journal of Social Work Education.

Newman, T., Okamoto, K. , Kimiecik, C., Sohns, E., Burns, M., & Magier, E. (2019). The role of social workers in sport: Shared values and opportunities for interprofessional collaborations. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 10(3), 160-173.

Renner, L. M., & Driessen, M . C. (2019). Siblings who are exposed to child maltreatment: Practices reported by county children's services supervisors. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 13(5), 491-511. doi:10.1080/15548732.2018.1514350

An, S., Choi, Y. J., Lee, H. Y., Yoon, Y. J. , & Platt, M. (2018). Predictors of breast cancer screening among Korean American women: Is having an annual checkup critical? Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 19(5), 1281–1286.

Bayless, S. D., Jenson, J. M., Richmond, M. K., Pampel, F. C., Cook, M., & Calhoun, M. (2018). Effects of an afterschool early literacy intervention on the reading skills of children in public housing communities. Child & Youth Care Forum, 47, 537-561.

DeZelar, S. , & Lightfoot, E. (2018). Use of parental disability as a removal reason for children in foster care in the US. Children and Youth Services Review, 86, 128-134.

Fink, A. (2018). Bigger data, less wisdom: The need for more inclusive collective intelligence in social service provision. AI & Society, 33, 61-70.

Haight, W., Waubanascum, C., Glesener, D. , & Marsalis, S. (2018). A scoping study of Indigenous child welfare: The long emergency and preparations for the next seven generations. Children and Youth Services Review, 93, 397-410.

Jenson, J. M., Veeh, C., Anyon, Y., St. Mary, J., Calhoun, M. , Tejada, J., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2018). Effects of an afterschool program on the academic outcomes of children and youth residing in public housing neighborhoods: A quasi-experimental study. Children and Youth Services Review, 88, 211-217.

Kiesel, L., DeZelar, S. & Lightfoot, E. (2018). Challenges, barriers and opportunities: Social workers with disabilities and experiences in field education. Journal of Social Work Education. 54(4), 696-708.

Lee, H. Y., Choi, Y. J., Yoon, Y. J. , & Oh, J. (2018). HPV literacy: The role of English proficiency in Korean American immigrant women. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 22(3), E64–E70.

Lightfoot, E. & LaLiberte, T. & Cho, M. (2018). Parental supports for parents with disabilities: The role of informal supports.Child Welfare, 96(4), 89-110.

Merighi, J. R., Zheng, M. , & Browne, T. (2018). Nephrology social workers' caseloads and hourly wages in 2014 and 2017: Findings from the National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Social Workers Professional Practice Survey. Journal of Nephrology Social Work, 42(1), 31−59.

St. Mary, J., Calhoun, M. , Tejada, J., & Jenson, J. M. (2018). Perceptions of academic achievement and educational opportunities among Black and African American youth. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 35(5), 499-509.

Haight, W., Sugrue, E., Calhoun, M. , & Black, J. (2017). “Basically, I look at it like combat”: Reflections on moral injury by parents involved with child protection services. Children and Youth Services Review, 82, 477-489.

Haight, W., Sugrue, E., Calhoun, M. , & Black, J. (2017). Everyday coping with moral injury: The perspectives of professionals and parents involved with child protection services. Children and Youth Services Review, 82, 108-121.

Haight, W., Sugrue, E., Calhoun, M. (2017). Moral injury among child protection professionals: Implications for the ethical treatment and retention of workers. Children and Youth Services Review, 82, 27-41.

Hewitt, A., Stancliffe, R., Hall-Lande, J., Nord, D., Pettingell, S., Hamre, K. , Hallas-Muchow L. (2017). Characteristics of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder who use residential services and supports through adult developmental disability services in the United States. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Horn, T. L. , Piescher, K., Shannon, P. J., Hong, S., & Benton, A. (2017). Experiences of Somali and Oromo youth in the child protection system. Children and Youth Services Review.

Kayama, M., Haight, W., Ku, M. L. M., Cho, M. , & Lee, H. Y. (2017). East Asian and U.S. educators' reflections on how stigmatization affects their relationships with parents whose children have disabilities: Challenges and solutions. Children and Youth Services Review, 73, 128-144.

Khuu, B. P. , Lee, H. Y. (2017). Health literacy and associated factors among Hmong American immigrants. Journal of Community Health, 1-8.

Kim, Y.S., Lee, H.Y., Lee, M.H., Simms, T. , & Park, B.H., (2017). Mental health literacy in Korean older adults: A cross-sectional survey. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12395

Lightfoot, E. & LaLiberte, T. & Cho, M. (2017). A case record review of termination of parental rights cases involving parents with a disability. Children and Youth Services Review, 79, 399-407.

Sugrue, E. & Lightfoot, E. (2017). Preschool Policymaking by Stealth: Application of an Alternative Framework for the Policy Process. Journal of Policy Practice. DOI: 10.1080/15588742.2016.1266982

Carlson, J., Nguyen, H. , and Reinardy, J. (2016). Social justice and the capabilities approach: Seeking a global print for EPAS. Journal of Social Work Education, 52, Issue 3.

Haight, W., Bidwell, L., Choi, W. S., & Cho, M. (2016). An evaluation of the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM): Recidivism outcomes for maltreated youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Children and Youth Services Review, 65, 78-85.

Haight, W., Kayama, M., Ku, M. L., Cho, M. , & Lee, H. Y. (2016). Perspectives of elementary school educators in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the US on disability, stigmatization and children's developing self Part 1: Defining the problem in cultural context. Children and Youth Services Review, 70, 214-228.

Haight, W., Sugrue, E., Calhoun, M. , & Black, J. (2016). A scoping study of moral injury: Identifying directions for social work research. Child and Youth Services Review, 70, 190-200.

Hoffman, S. J., Robertson, C. L., Shannon, P. J., Cook, T.L. , Letts, J., & Mathiason, M. A. (2016). Physical Correlates of Torture Exposure in Karen Refugees. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 1-15.

Kayama, M., Haight, W., Ku, M. L. M., Cho, M. , & Lee, H. Y. (2016). Perspectives of elementary school educators in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the US on disability, stigmatization and children's developing self Part 2: Solutions. Children and Youth Services Review, 70, 403-418.

Khuu, B. P. , Lee, H.Y., Zhou, A.Q., Shin, J. & Lee, R.M., (2016) Healthcare providers’ perspectives on parental health literacy and child health outcomes among Southeast Asian American immigrants and refugees, Children and Youth Services Review, 67 (2016) 220–229. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.06.006

Lightfoot, E., Blevins, J. , Lum, T. & Dube, A. (2016). Cultural health assets of Somali and Oromo immigrants in the United States: Findings from a community-based participatory research project. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 27(1), 252-260.

Lightfoot, E. & DeZelar, S. (2016). The experiences and outcomes of children in foster care who were removed because of a parental disability. Children and Youth Services Review, 62, 22–28.

Lightfoot, E., Nienow, M., Moua, K., Colburn, G. , & Petri, A. (2016). Insights on professional identification and licensure from community practice social workers. Journal of Community Practice, 24 (2), 123-146. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2016.1165328

McCleary, J., Shannon, P. J., Cook, T. (2016) Connecting refugees to substance use treatment: A qualitative study. Social Work and Public Health, 31(1), 1-. 10.1080/19371918.2015.1087906.

Shannon, P.J., Vinson, G.A., Cook, T.L. , Lennon, E. (2016). Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful mental health referrals of refugees. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 43(4), 555-568. doi:10.1007/s10488-015-0639-8

Simms, T. (2016). Statutory compensation for the wrongly imprisoned. Social Work, 61, 155-162. doi: 10.1093/sw/sww003

Yang, H., Yoon, Y. J. , Jeong, B., & Emery, C. R. (2016). The effects of parental abuse and aggression on mobile phone dependency: Focused on the moderated mediation effect of youth activity. Youth Facilities and Environment, 14(2), 5–15.

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Social work phd programs.

The University of Michigan School of Social Work offers two distinct doctoral program options to meet the educational and training needs of emerging social work scholars.

The School of Social Work is thrilled to announce a new addition to our doctoral program. The PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare is designed for students who already have their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and are looking for a career focused on social justice, equity, and rigorous research. The PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare provides a transdisciplinary approach to identifying and studying societal problems for the purpose of proposing and developing solutions.  The focus on societal interventions and solving problems is core to the new PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare at the University of Michigan.

The School of Social Work offers the only Joint PhD program in Social Work and Social Science in the United States. The Joint PhD program in Social Work and Social Science has a long and illustrious history of trailblazing and producing extraordinary scholars. The Joint PhD program pairs education and training in social work with disciplinary training in anthropology, psychology, or sociology.  Joint PhD students become deep disciplinary experts who use the knowledge and skills of both their fields to examine societal problems through transdisciplinary research. 

Students in both the PhD in Social Work and the Joint Program will take some core coursework together, further increasing the diversity of knowledge and perspectives of our PhD students.

What Program is Right for You?

Phd in social work and social welfare, joint phd program in social work and social science.

Faculty with rigorous, diverse research areas that span key domains of social work practice and policy including children and families, health and mental health, educational, economic, and racial, and health disparities, and power, privilege, and oppression.

Top-ranked faculty in social work, anthropology, psychology, and sociology who carry out research across a wide array of domains to create a robust transdisciplinary culture for understanding and addressing serious worldwide problems.

Curriculum includes social work theory, methods, and statistical analysis courses, as well as specialized electives focused on services, intervention, and social change.

Curriculum includes theory, methods, and statistical analysis courses in one of three social sciences (anthropology, psychology or sociology).

The PhD Program in Social Work and Social Welfare provides all incoming doctoral students with a multi-year funding package that includes tuition, stipends, and health care during the school year and summers.

The Joint Program in Social Work and Social Science provides all incoming doctoral students with a multi-year funding package that includes tuition, stipends, and health care during the school year and summers.

Two semesters of teaching in the school of social work.

Two semesters in social work and four semesters in the selected social science.

Approximately 4 to 5 years.

Approximately 6 to 7 years.

Develop social work scholars and educators who are prepared for careers in academic, research, and policy settings.

Develop scholars and educators who are prepared for careers in academic, research, and policy settings in either social work or in their social science of choice.

Ready to Move Forward?

Contact our PhD office to learn more about our PhD program and application process.

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• Joint PhD Program »

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PhD in Social Work

Baylor's Social Work PhD program is designed to develop  leaders  and  educators  who can lead visionary social work education or service programs and conduct original research addressing the complex social issues of our world. The program provides a distinctive focus on the  integration of religion and faith  with the ethics, values and practices of the social work profession.

The application for the Summer 2023 cohort of the PhD in Social Work program is now closed. The application for the Summer 2025 cohort is expected to open in Fall 2024.

Baylor University is an NC-SARA approved institution.

What can you do with a PhD in Social Work?

Graduates from the social work PhD program are uniquely prepared to: • Serve in academic research and teaching posts in social work programs • Provide leadership in government and private agency contexts around the world

Program Format

Baylor's online PhD in social work is primarily taught in a synchronous video classroom that utilizes high-definition technology to connect students and the instructor in real-time. Classes are conducted much as they would be on campus, except the students are able to participate from anywhere in the world.

Learn more about the Program of Study . 

Program Requirements

Admission to the PhD program is a highly selective process. The admissions committee selects up to seven students every other year that have:

• Clear interest in developing theory, policy, and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work
• A superior academic record in all previous work
• The maturity, intellectual ability, and readiness for doctoral study

Explore admissions requirements at how to apply .

What was your first impression of the Garland School of Social Work?

Online  - the information is clear and robust. The chairs were easy to communicate with and faculty was available to answer any questions. In person  - I cannot give enough positive feedback about my experience at the Garland School of Social Work. The staff and faculty were warm, interested, and invested in us individually and as a cohort from the moment we walked in. I felt known. I felt spurred on in my research interests. I felt heard by every person I encountered. I left feeling connected to my educational goals, the university, the school of social work, my cohort, and the faculty. —Dr. Brianna Garrison, PhD '21

• Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

811 Washington Ave. Waco, TX 76701

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PhD in Social Work Degree Guide | Salary & Programs 2024

A PhD in Social Work is a mark of distinction as an expert in the discipline. Graduates of social work PhD programs often use their knowledge and training to conduct groundbreaking research on critical issues facing society. Their discoveries shape policy and assist countless people. As respected leaders, they hold top positions at various social services organizations. As professors, they mold new generations of social workers.

In addition to increased ability to help others, PhDs in social work can expect something else following graduation – good job prospects. The U.S.  Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS) projects employment in the community and social service occupations to grow a hearty 12% between 2020 to 2030. 1

What is a PhD in Social Work?

A PhD in Social Work is a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work. It is one of the two highest degrees that someone can earn in the field, the other being a DSW (Doctor of Social Work). PhD programs in social work focus heavily on research methods and pedagogy. DSW programs emphasize advanced training for practicing social workers.

Outstanding Schools with PhD in Social Work Degrees in U.S.

The road to a PhD in Social Work begins with admittance to a school that meets an aspiring student’s needs. While the “perfect” school varies by an individual’s interests and circumstances, here’s a sample of some noteworthy institutions:

• University of Southern California  – Through its Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, USC offers a PhD program that prides itself on promoting independent inquiry. Students gain competence in research methodology and communicating results. They learn skills vital to their future, such as how to submit grant proposals, how to write articles for publication, and how to present findings at conferences.
• New York University  – From day one, each PhD student in NYU’s Silver School of Social Work gets paired with a faculty mentor who helps develop research, scholarships, and teaching skills. Areas of staff expertise include racial and social justice, behavioral health services, child welfare, and aging. The school’s location in New York City provides a dynamic, diverse setting for studying important social work issues.
• Wayne State University  – Opportunities for professional and intellectual growth abound in the PhD program at this public institution in Michigan. The school encourages students to take coursework outside of the School of Social Work to support their individual interests. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to special degrees in areas such as infant mental health, gerontology, or social work and anthropology.
• Baylor University  – No need to live in Waco, Texas, to attend this institution. After a required five-day session on campus, social work PhD students can live elsewhere while pursuing their degree through an online classroom. Online PhD in Social Work courses meet via videoconferencing at specific times each week. The program focuses on the integration of religion and faith with practices of the social work profession. Graduates leave ready to address complex social issues as leaders, educators, and researchers.
• The University of Utah  – Other than a week on campus at the start of each semester, this institution’s “distance-delivered doctoral program” allows students to pursue an online PhD in Social Work from any location. Individuals attend classes remotely at the same time as their on-campus cohorts. All students possess equal access to research opportunities and financial support.

If you’re looking for other schools that offer PhD’s in social work, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the  perfect school for you !

What Can I Do with a PhD in Social Work?

Many who pursue a PhD in Social Work do so in hopes of securing a faculty position at a university or junior college. They wish to continue conducting research in their area of interest within the field or teach up-and-coming social work students. Others may find employment at think tanks, non-profits, or governmental agencies.

PhD in Social Work Salary and Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor includes postsecondary social work teachers on its list of Bright Outlook Occupations because of the job’s rapid growth prospects (9%) over the next decade (2020-2030). 9  Projections are not a guarantee, but the information is encouraging to PhDs looking to go in that direction.

While the mean annual wage for social work professors is $71,570, possibilities exist to earn substantially more. In California, for instance, the mean annual wage stands at $110,020. New York, the state with the highest concentration of postsecondary social work teachers, posts a mean annual wage of $91,680. 7

Some PhDs find employment as social service consultants. They train social service staff members and help organizations implement improvements in procedures and policies. According to PayScale, this type of position brings in an average hourly rate of $32.50. 8

PhD in Social Work Career Paths

Students in PhD programs usually enter possessing an MSW (Master’s of Social Work) and a social work license. After earning their doctorate, some individuals decide to return to careers in applied social work rather than enter academia. Their increased knowledge and training oftentimes set them up for higher-level positions in occupations such as:

• Median Salary: $51,760 
• Career Outlook: +12% (2020-2030)

Social workers identify and assist individuals, families, and groups within a community that need help with various life challenges.

• Median Salary: $48,140 
• Career Outlook: 17% (2020-2030)

These professionals promote wellness and serve as a liaison between individuals/groups and health care systems.

• Median Salary: $58,120 
• Career Outlook: +11% (2020-2030)

These counselors help individuals with social and academic issues in order to succeed in school and forge an employment plan.

Source: BLS

Earning a PhD in Social Work

Individuals generally go into social work because they want to  make a difference in the lives of others . Earning a PhD in Social Work certainly advances that objective. The decision to undertake something so rigorous, however, should not be made lightly.

Pros and Cons of PhD in Social Work Degrees

Completing a PhD program in social work takes time, money, and effort. Only you can decide if such an endeavor is in your best interest.

• Expanded job opportunities, especially in academia, consulting, and research
• Recognition as an expert in the field
• Good job growth predictions from the BLS
• The potential for increases in income, responsibility, and influence
• A chance to study specific areas of interest and learn advanced knowledge about them
• The cost of pursuing a degree
• The stress of staying on track and finishing this academic challenge
• Taking away time from other endeavors in order to focus on studies
• Possibly moving to a new location to be closer to campus

PhD in Social Work Program Prerequisites

Most students enter social work PhD programs already possessing an MSW and a history of social work employment. People with a  background in a similar field , such as psychology, may also be eligible for consideration. Some institutions conduct dual-degree programs where participants earn both an MSW and a PhD upon completion of studies.

Courses in PhD in Social Work Programs

While specific courses vary by program, the following are some of the courses frequently encountered in social work PhD programs:

• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research
• Data analysis
• Social policy analysis
• Scholarly writing
• Grant writing
• Teaching and pedagogy

Coursework helps students prepare for two important components of a social work PhD program:  the qualifying exam and the dissertation .

Passing an oral and/or written qualifying exam demonstrates a solid base of knowledge and readiness to engage in independent research. The dissertation focuses on a topic or research question of the student’s choice. In addition to writing the dissertation, the student must orally defend the ideas presented at a meeting with other scholars.

Skills Learned in a PhD in Social Work Degree Program

PhD programs promote scholarly development. Students hone their critical-thinking skills. They learn how to ask important questions about social work issues and how to go about seeking possible answers. They graduate knowing how to construct research studies and evaluate results.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Social Work?

Programs generally require 36 credit hours. In terms of time, this translates to 3-5 years.

Students pursuing accelerated studies may be able to shave off time from this range. On the flipside, students enrolled in a dual MSW/PhD program take longer to finish because they need to fulfill more requirements.

A substantial determinant of program length is progress on one’s dissertation. Some students develop a clear idea early on of what they wish to focus on and make steady progress toward completion. Others require more time to figure out what they want to do and how to do it.

Social Work Degree Specializations

Social work is a large discipline with many niches. Some areas PhD candidates may concentrate on include:

• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• School social work
• Military social work
• Children and families
• Gerontology
• Terminal illness
• Migration studies
• Disaster relief
• LGBTQIA+ community
• Public welfare
• Justice and corrections

Social Work Certification and Licensure

Many social work positions require a license and/or certification. People should look into the requirements for jobs of interest as well as for the geographical region in which they seek employment. A good place to start is the  Association for Social Work Boards .

Accreditation

Selecting a school with regional accreditation ensures the institution has met certain educational standards. Choose one approved by the  U.S. Department of Education  or the nonprofit  Council for Higher Education Accreditation  (CHEA).

While the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits BSW and MSW programs, it does not do so at the doctoral level. However, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) can provide prospective social work PhD students with information on its member schools.

Online PhD Social Work Programs

Opportunities exist to pursue doctoral studies in social work online. The majority of such programs lead to a DSW, but some result in a PhD.

Online vs. On Campus Degrees

Earning an online PhD in Social Work degree through has a variety of potential benefits.

• Remote learning removes geographical barriers.
• Students gain greater choice in selecting an institution
• Students do not need to upend their lives to move to campus housing.
• Online programs generally offer more flexibility in terms of when and where work gets completed.
• Sometimes, ambitious students can accelerate their progress.

Some students prefer regular, campus-based programs. They enjoy the social aspect of physically attending class alongside others, focus better in an academic environment, or prefer a consistent schedule.

How Long Do Online Courses Take to Complete?

Finishing an online PhD in Social Work program generally takes about the same amount of time as on-campus studies, which is 3-5 years. Choosing an accelerated program can reduce some of that time.

Schools offering online PhD in social work programs tend to have a hybrid set-up. They require brief periods of time on campus, such as the first week of each semester.

Also, remote PhD programs in social work tend to favor synchronous learning. Off-campus students use video technology to attend classes with their on-campus peers on specific days at set times.

Applying to PhD in Social Work Programs

Students interested in obtaining a PhD in Social Work must apply to individual schools offering this graduate study. Due to substantial competition for spots, students oftentimes apply to more than one program.

Admission Requirements for PhD in Social Work Programs

Each school has its own specific set of criteria for applicants to present in order to receive consideration for admission. Things often required include:

• A master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Transcripts of all collegiate work, including degree(s) earned and GPA
• A resume of hands-on social work experience, including internships, employment, and volunteer experiences
• Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Personal statements/essays on the reason for pursuing a PhD
• Interviews with faculty members
• Letters of recommendation supporting the candidacy
• A scholarly writing sample

Paying for a PhD in Social Work

Students rightly worry about paying for higher education. Fortunately, a good number of options exist to  finance graduate studies , including grants, loans, and scholarships. Schools also often offer PhD candidates positions as research or teaching assistants, which can cover or reduce tuition and even provide a stipend.

PhD in Social Work Degree Costs

Many factors influence the cost of pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Choosing a public school in one’s state often proves more economical than tuition for private institutions. Programs partially or fully online can lower expenses by eliminating the cost of traveling to campus or residing in campus housing.

Any student looking for financial assistance should fill out the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It serves as the first step in determining eligibility for grants, loans, and school-specific monetary aid.

Scholarships for PhD in Social Work Students

Individuals looking for assistance in funding their PhD studies in social work may want to check out the following:

• Council on Social Work Education  – The CSWE offers a variety of general and niche scholarships for students interested in graduate studies in social work.
• National Association of Social Workers  – Doctoral students qualify for several funding opportunities offered by the NASW Foundation.
• Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund  – Students working for social change can apply for one of these need-based scholarships of up to $15,000 per year.

PhD in Social Work Career Resources

Along their educational journey and into their career, social work PhDs may find the following groups good sources of knowledge and support:

• Council on Social Work Education  – This national organization is dedicated to advancing excellence in social work education and research. PhD candidates may find the careers section on the group’s website particularly interesting. It contains job opportunities, career planning advice, and free resume review.
• The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work  – This organization provides a wealth of information on what makes a good PhD program. Its website includes links to all its member institutions, which proves helpful to students trying to compare schools.
• National Association of Social Workers  – This well-established organization of professional social workers focuses on career development and advancing social policies. Its website contains resources on a variety of topics by interest, such as aging, child welfare, and LGBTQ issues. Networking opportunities and tips for landing a job prove useful to graduate students.
• Clinical Social Work Association  – This group focuses on meeting the practice needs of  clinical social workers  through support and advocacy. Members receive free consultative services for legal and ethical questions, reduced rates on liability insurance, and access to the association’s job board.
• Society for Social Work and Research  – For more than 25 years, this non-profit has supported faculty, students, and others interested in social work research. Funding, information sharing, and interdisciplinary networking are among its areas of concern.
• People often pursue a PhD in Social Work to become a professor at a university, college, or junior college. Such a job involves teaching classes, managing internships and other hands-on student experiences, and conducting research. Other PhDs work for the government, military, non-profits, think tanks, schools, and other organizations as social workers, community managers, researchers, and policy shapers.
• The answer depends on individual interests and career objectives. For someone hoping for a job in academia, a PhD is usually necessary. Individuals interested in positions such as social worker or community service manager oftentimes get hired with a lesser degree. A doctorate, though, can put someone in a better position for greater responsibility, leadership, decision-making, and pay.
• Examine your career goals. A  bachelor’s degree  can be enough for entry-level positions. A master’s will qualify you to perform more extensive duties and is a must for those interested in clinical social work. Future social work instructors and social work executives generally hold a doctorate, which can be a PhD in Social Work or a DSW (Doctor of Social Work).
• An  MSW (Master of Social Work)  helps individuals secure higher-level positions within the field of social work. Obtaining one signifies greater education and training than just a bachelor’s degree. A PhD in Social Work demonstrates exceptional knowledge and commitment. PhDs often remain in academia to teach others and to continue advancing the discipline through original research.

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• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm
• https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/academics/phd-program
• https://socialwork.nyu.edu/a-silver-education/degree-programs/phd.html
• https://socialwork.wayne.edu/phd
• https://www.baylor.edu/social_work/index.php?id=866760
• https://socialwork.utah.edu/phd/
• https://www.bls.gov/oes/2018/may/oes251113.htm
• https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Service_Consultant/Hourly_Rate?loggedIn
• https://www.onetonline.org/find/bright?b=1&g=Go

School of Social Work

Ph.d. in social work, for more than a century, vcu's school of social work has prepared students to advance the profession’s mission by integrating and applying scientific knowledge and professional skills and values to current and emergent social problems..

The Ph.D. Program, which began in 1978, furthers that agenda by preparing students as research scholars, educators and leaders in the profession.

21 currently enrolled students

71%  of students are African American, Hispanic or Asian

One of only 71 universities designated as both “Community Engaged” and with “Very High Research Activity”  *

100%  of recent graduates have secured employment as assistant professors, researchers or postdoctoral fellows within a year of graduation  *

What we offer

Our Ph.D. students enjoy individualized mentoring and a highly supportive learning environment. In addition, a wide range of institutes and centers complement and contribute to the school’s research activities. Graduates leave us ready to generate, implement and communicate knowledge to advance social justice, improve human well-being and enhance the profession’s impact on pressing social problems.

The principal goal of the Ph.D. Program is to prepare a diverse student body whose research, teaching and scholarship will position them for leadership in advancing professional practice, social policy and social work education.

To achieve this goal, the program prepares students to:

• Conduct and disseminate high-quality research that furthers the knowledge base of the profession
• Develop cutting-edge knowledge and skills for social work teaching and learning
• Promote social welfare and social justice in and with local, national and global communities

During the first two years of the program, students complete a common core curriculum in the School of Social Work and take more individualized concentration courses within the school and in related disciplines. After completing coursework, students take their qualifying examination, which is designed to enable them to demonstrate an ability to critically analyze, integrate and apply the whole of their educational experience to that point.

Upon passing this examination, students register for dissertation research credits. At the dissertation phase, students propose, conduct and defend an original dissertation research project that meaningfully advances knowledge and contributes to a more just society.

See a detailed breakdown of the Ph.D. curriculum.

Upon completion of the required curriculum, students will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand and critique the history and philosophy of social work as a profession and academic discipline and draw implications for its current and future directions
• Use rigorous methods and analytic strategies to conduct and disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the knowledge base of social work and related disciplines
• Identify and critique the main social and behavioral science theories that inform knowledge development in their selected substantive area and in social work education
• Articulate expertise in a selected substantive area relevant to social work and contextualize this expertise in a broader interdisciplinary frame of reference
• Critically analyze the substance, function and contexts for formulation, implementation and evaluation of key social policies and draw implications for advocacy and social justice
• Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills and values required for excellence as a social work educator

The school’s distinguished faculty possesses a range of substantive and methodological research expertise and offers state-of-the-art instruction in professional education.

Current examples include :

• Community and organizational partnerships in prevention and intervention research in local, national and international settings.
• Interdisciplinary research in social, behavioral and health sciences, e.g., child and adolescent well-being, interpersonal violence, alcohol and other substance misuse, persons with disabilities, and aging and the life course.
• International collaborative projects, e.g., interpersonal and societal violence and trauma, poverty and inequality, immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and abroad, and population aging and mental health in low-resource settings.

Formal mentorship in these and other areas of investigation takes the form of graduate research assistantships and supervised teaching opportunities in the school’s competitive M.S.W. and/or B.S.W. programs. Students are strongly encouraged to draw on the extensive body of faculty expertise for advice and guidance throughout their time in the program.

First-year students participate in a proseminar that is led by the Ph.D. Program director. The threefold purpose of the seminar is to:

• Introduce students to the school’s faculty and their programs of research;
• Familiarize students with current major trends and topics in social work and social welfare; and
• Facilitate a working model of ongoing peer advising and consultation.

Students will select a secondary advisor by the spring semester of their first year who assists them in developing specialized areas of scholarly interest and advises them on academic activities such as teaching, university programs and community service. At the end of the first year in the program, students may elect to continue with their appointed secondary advisor or select another consenting faculty member.

Once admitted to candidacy, the student’s dissertation committee chair serves as their advisor.

Helpful resources

• Ph.D. Plan of study
• Ph.D. annual academic evaluation and self-assessment

Graduate research assistants (GRA) are graduate students hired on a part-time basis to work with faculty mentors (who are the GRA’s supervisor) on their research and scholarship.

Graduate research assistantships are a way of supporting the research mission of the university and school while providing financial assistance and support for the professional growth and development of graduate students. There are work-related requirements for all GRAs.

First-year students are offered a graduate research assistantship; subsequent years are contingent upon work performance during the preceding year. At the start and end of each semester, students and their mentor work together to complete a  GRA mentoring and assessment form . For more information, please see the  GRA policies .

Independent study provides students with the opportunity to create their own specialized learning experience and pursue educational goals outside of the Ph.D. program curriculum through intensive study in an in-depth, faculty-mentored opportunity.  Independent study proposals should be submitted to the Ph.D. Program director no later than Monday the week before classes start for the semester you plan to enroll in independent study.

In addition, the directed research course will provide students with the opportunity to do hands-on research prior to the dissertation project relevant to their substantive area or individual learning needs. Students will select a topic area and specific project, then implement it in collaboration with a school faculty member. Directed research proposals  should be submitted to the Ph.D. Program director no later than the Monday the week before classes start for the semester you plan to enroll in directed research.

For questions about either the independent student or directed research, contact an academic faculty advisor.

Students must pass a qualifying examination in their substantive area of interest. Students will first develop a brief proposal and a supporting reading list for a qualifying paper with guidance from a committee whose members have requisite expertise. Once the proposal is approved, they will independently write the qualifying paper. Finally, the committee will evaluate and conduct an oral examination on the paper.

• Ph.D. qualifying examination guidelines
• Ph.D. qualifying examination committee nomination form
• Ph.D. qualifying examination assessment form

Upon completing required coursework, students enroll in a three-credit social work teaching practicum. The purpose of this required teaching practicum is to prepare future social work educators through a mentored classroom teaching experience.

Students will work directly with a full-time faculty member who is teaching a B.S.W. or M.S.W. course. The course can be face to face or online. While there are some standardized requirements, the practicum is individually tailored to optimize students’ preparation for teaching based on their prior teaching experience and skills and current interests. Students will devote 10 hours per week to the practicum and will participate in a bimonthly seminar to facilitate and support their development and learning.

In the spring of their second year, students are asked to identify a professor to mentor them in the practicum. By the last day of the spring semester, students should submit their  Ph.D. teaching practicum learning contract .

• Ph.D. teaching practicum faculty mentor guide

After passing the qualifying exam, students will register for a minimum of one credit hour of dissertation research. They will first work with their academic advisor to develop a dissertation committee and a proposal for dissertation research.

Upon successful defense of the proposal, students will be approved for  degree candidacy . After admission to candidacy, students will proceed to complete and defend their dissertations, which will be completed under the supervision of a dissertation committee to include a chair, at least two VCU School of Social Work faculty members and at least one additional member from outside of the school. All nominations must be submitted in writing to the Ph.D. Program director.

For specifics about dissertation committee nominations and dissertation guidelines, please consult the Student Policy Handbook .

• Ph.D. dissertation committee nomination form
• Ph.D. dissertation proposal guidelines
• Ph.D. three-paper dissertation proposal guidelines
• Ph.D. dissertation proposal assessment form
• Ph.D. degree candidacy form
• Ph.D. electronic thesis and dissertation

Dissertations will be composed of independent research and should be based on an original question or hypothesis relevant to social work. Successful defense of the dissertation after the completion of 54 credit hours of coursework and dissertation credits completes the requirements for the degree. Dissertation proposals are submitted to the dissertation committee. It is important to follow  university guidelines for submission of the completed, approved dissertation and electronic dissertation form.

For access to the dissertation proposal or the electronic dissertation forms, refer to the  document and forms page .

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• Download the Ph.D. Program Brochure (PDF)

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Learn how to apply  »

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Admissions dates and deadlines

Documents and forms

One of the most rewarding parts of my career is cultivating the organic growth of doctoral students. I enjoy taking part in their evolving development, challenging them with alternative perspectives and encouraging a deeper awareness of themselves.”   Youngmi Kim (she/her), Ph.D., associate professor

Ph.D. candidates and students

Learn more about our Ph.D. candidates and students in the VCU School of Social Work directory . Explore their published work and presentations, and find out which candidates are currently on the job market.

Have questions?

If you're a prospective student interested in the VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. Program, contact us at (804) 828-1030 or [email protected] .

*Nationwide designation by the Carnegie Foundation

*Over the last five years

• Faculty & Research

PhD in Social Work

Preparing the next generation of social work and social welfare scholars and leaders.

Our students develop core competencies that are integral to contemporary social work practice, teaching, and research. The critical linkages between social work and social science research, theory, and practice build upon our faculty  strengths and expertise, and grow through interdisciplinary collaborations and expertise in areas such as health, mental health, trauma, addictions, child welfare, and aging. The PhD in Social Work program offers an opportunity for students to work with, and learn from, these leaders and to pursue a multi-method and highly individualized course of study.

The core curriculum requires a mixed methods foundation, grounding in social work values and a social justice lens, and training in teaching excellence. Student knowledge is deepened through hands-on teaching-practicum experience, the development of a specialization area, and mentored research training. These integrated experiences provide a rich educational foundation for social work leadership in academic, policy, research, and practice arenas.

Please Note: The PhD Program in Social Work no longer requires that applicants take the GRE or MAT exams.

For further information about the PhD program, request information below or contact Lyndsey Browning, Program Coordinator of the PhD Program in Social Work, at [email protected] .

Knowledge and expertise to change the world

Focused on intensive, community-engaged research, IU’s social work doctoral program prepares graduates for success as scholars, educators, policymakers and advocates. A flexible degree program allows students to enroll in part-time or full-time study. Support from faculty and peers, coupled with competitive financial award packages, makes IU School of Social Work the ideal place to learn, achieve, and contribute.

Welcome to the Doctor of Philosophy program #

The development of leadership in social work is at the core of the Doctoral program at Indiana University School of Social Work. Advanced research and scholarship are woven through a comprehensive program to prepare students for leading roles in areas such as social work education, social welfare, policy analysis and development, administration, social work practice, and advocacy.

The PhD program is built around a flexible interdisciplinary model which includes a carefully integrated series of didactic and experiential learning opportunities.

And, while solidly grounded in the profession of social work, doctoral students may take advantage of the rich learning experiences available in other disciplines throughout the university.

The PhD program develops community-engaged interprofessional leaders, scholars, and educators within an inclusive and supportive environment. Students receive rigorous training and mentorship in diverse theoretical and philosophical perspectives and research methods that promote equity and social justice locally, nationally, and internationally.

The PhD program is nationally and internationally recognized for developing community-engaged, interprofessional scholars and leaders with diverse theoretical and methodological expertise equipped to advance equity and social justice.

Career Possibilities #

Our Ph.D. program prepares students for leading roles in areas such as social work education, social welfare, policy analysis and development, administration, social work practice, and advocacy. While our program stresses research, many of our students continue to practice or teach as well.

• Doctoral graduates in social work are very much in demand for teaching in many of the almost 500 BSW and MSW programs in the country.
• Graduates often continue to pursue professional funded research in a variety settings.
• Consultation is also an area where our graduates thrive!

The PhD Program at Indiana University has more than prepared me for a career of scholarship, research, and leadership in the social work profession. The collegiality of faculty members and fellow students truly enriched my experience. Not only did I earn a degree, but I built relationships for the future.

Matt Moore , PhD Indiana School of School Work

Explore more #

"url(#clip0_20_18)"> Stay up to date with the latest announcements, news and information, or find out what’s happening around campus at each location and online.

• Explore PhD related events
• View PhD news & announcements

The Ohio State University

PhD Program Curriculum

The curriculum is everything students do to learn and achieve the educational objectives of the program. Its entire focus is creating positive change through translational social work science. Research is done in applied settings such as schools, mental health centers, hospitals, prisons, community centers and social service agencies.  

Our curriculum includes

• Courses in social work and from across the university to develop specialized expertise
• Research mentoring
• Candidacy examination that can take the form of a grant proposal or answering faculty committee questions on theory, practice, research and the student’s individualized specialization
• Dissertation reflecting original research

Following the translational science model, the PhD curriculum is designed to move primary research results into application and dissemination to the practice community, social work courses develop the knowledge and skills to:

• Conduct basic research on etiology, prevalence, and demographics of problems in communities and populations;
• Design interventions based on theories of change;
• Conduct research in efficacy and effectiveness of interventions;
• Conduct research in the implementation, dissemination and utilization of evidence-informed interventions

The courses include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.

Guiding you through your journey to becoming an independent researcher and scholar are social work faculty who conduct research in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: aging, child welfare, health, mental health, substance abuse, corrections, juvenile justice, positive youth development, school social work, immigrants and refugees, environmental justice, community food security, international issues and human trafficking.

PhD Requirements

Social Work PhD Curriculum and Requirements: Required core courses

Social Work PhD Curriculum and Requirements: Optional Advanced Research and Statistics Courses and Elective Courses

Summary of Course Requirements

PhD Course Offerings

Autumn 2024

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Doctorate in Social Work Degrees: Search the Best DSW Programs for You

Are you a licensed social worker interested in advancing your career in administration, policy advocacy, advanced clinical practice, or college-level teaching? Earning a doctorate in social work may be the right move for you.

Explore these rankings to help you choose the right Ph.D. or DSW program for your personal and professional needs. Our degree guide explains what to look for when comparing different doctoral programs in social work, and what you can do with your degree after graduation.

Key Factors for Selecting a Doctorate in Social Work Program

What should you look for when choosing the best Ph.D. or DSW program for you? Before enrolling in any program, investigate several options, noting the program’s academic reputation, curriculum requirements and available specializations, and faculty areas of expertise.

Accreditation

Consider social work programs offered by schools with regional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. While the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) currently only accredits BSW and MSW programs, the CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation has begun a DSW pilot accreditation program.

Specializations

If you want to work in a particular area of social work, look for DSW or Ph.D. programs that offer specializations or concentration paths that align with your interests and career goals.

Faculty Research Areas

The best colleges and universities hire faculty with strong research reputations who bring their expertise into the classroom. When comparing doctoral programs, check out faculty profiles to find out about their research interests and publications.

Featured Online Social Work Degrees

The best doctorate in social work programs.

Our rankings of the best schools for doctoral degrees make it easier for you to see how one program differs from another. You can compare curriculum, learning formats, costs, and other factors that matter most to you.

We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best bachelor’s in social work programs based on four primary factors: academic quality, overall cost, reputation, and accessibility.

University of California-Los Angeles

For over a century, the University of California-Los Angeles has garnered a reputation for academic excellence. UCLA boasts 16 Nobel Laureates, 15 MacArthur Fellows, 11 National Medal of Science winners, and two Pulitzer Prize winners among its faculty.

The Ph.D. in social welfare, offered by the Luskin School of Public Affairs, integrates personalized instruction and applied research with an interdisciplinary focus. Coursework includes nursing, public health, psychology, and sociology. Most applicants hold an MSW degree, but the program accepts students with a master’s in related fields, such as public policy or sociology.

Full-time students enroll in 12 units each quarter, completing two years of coursework prior to their dissertation research. Students can complete the program in four years.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Established in 1795, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the nation. The university enrolls over 35,000 students in 95 bachelor’s, 104 master’s, and 65 doctoral degrees.

The Ph.D. in social work, organized around the theme of social intervention, comprises nine core courses, a professional development seminar, a teaching seminar/practicum, a dissertation seminar, and additional electives. Students must complete 45 credits prior to beginning their doctoral dissertation.

Applicants for the doctorate in social work need an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and two years of work experience in human services. A master’s in a related field may also be considered.

University of California-Berkeley

One of the most prestigious public universities in the nation, the University of California-Berkeley , offers over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate courses through over 300 degree programs.

Berkeley’s top-ranked Ph.D. in social welfare admits students who have completed a master’s in social work or social welfare, or a comparable degree in a related field. The doctorate takes a minimum of three years to complete, including two years of full-time coursework and one year for the dissertation.

The social welfare Ph.D. provides doctoral students with a generous financial package that includes tuition, health insurance, and an allowance for living expenses, funded jointly through fellowships and salary as a graduate student instructor or researcher.

Florida State University

Based in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University administers close to 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including a doctorate in social work.

FSU’s Ph.D. in social work emphasizes hands-on training in research and teaching. The curriculum comprises core methods and theory courses, specialized social work research methods courses, statistics courses, and cognates taken outside of the social work department related to the student’s areas of interest. Students typically complete the program in 4-5 years.

Admission requirements include an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores taken within the previous five years.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago in Hyde Park ranks among the top U.S. and global research institutions. The Crown Family School, one of the nation’s first schools of social work, has played a seminal role defining the profession.

The Ph.D. in social work requires a minimum of 15 courses, including one on the history of social work, five on statistics and research methods, and nine additional courses that include three taken in other departments. Students take 4-5 years to complete their degree.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective. Of the approximately 100 applications received annually, the program admits only eight students. Enrollees receive a substantial financial aid package that includes a stipend, health insurance, tuition, and fees.

University of Georgia

Established over 235 years ago in Athens, Georgia, the University of Georgia is the state’s oldest institution of higher education.

The 60-credit Ph.D. in social work provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum and certificate opportunities in gerontology, women’s studies, qualitative studies, quantitative methods, and nonprofit management and leadership. The program supports students with four years of financial assistance through teaching and research assistantships.

The Ph.D. program admits MSW-holders who have at least two years of post-MSW professional experience, an overall 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and a 3.5 MSW GPA. Applicants must submit GRE scores from within the last five years.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Consistently ranked among the top U.S. public universities, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus receives more federal research funding than any other public university. The campus hosts a student population of close to 30,000.

The Ph.D. in social welfare focuses on prevention/intervention research that addresses topics in health/mental health, promotion and disparities, aging, child and adolescent services, family-based practice, interpersonal violence, substance abuse, income distribution, and issues related to gender, communities of color and other underrepresented groups. An optional statistics track provides students with advanced quantitative training relevant to their areas of specialization.

The program offers four years of financial support, including teaching or research assistantships or fellowships, tuition, and health benefits.

The University of Texas at Austin

Established in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin has grown into a leading research university. As the main campus for the University of Texas system, UT Austin supports 52,000 students and 3,000 teaching faculty across 18 colleges and schools.

The Ph.D. in social work offers an interdisciplinary approach to the field with an emphasis on advanced research methodology and statistics. Minimum requirements for admission include an MSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited or related field and extensive experience in human services. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above in upper-division undergraduate courses and in any completed graduate work.

University of South Florida

A relatively young university founded in 1956, Tampa Bay’s University of South Florida enrolls over 50,000 students across 13 colleges.

Based in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, the Ph.D. in social work emphasizes five topic areas that reflect the strengths of the college and the forecasted direction of the profession. These five areas cover societal change and innovation, global issues, health, behavioral health, and leadership and business.

Admission is typically limited to individuals who hold an MSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program or international equivalent, with an overall 3.5 GPA. Applicants without an MSW may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Florida International University

Florida International University is a public research university in Miami, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to over 56,000 students. The university emphasizes research as a major component in its mission.

The Ph.D. in social welfare boasts one of the fastest completion rates and highest retention rates among U.S. social work doctoral programs. Students typically complete the program in as little as three years.

Admission to the program is selective. Requirements include an MSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school of social work or a master’s in a closely related field, at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a 3.5 graduate GPA, and GRE scores. Preference is given to applicants with prior social work experience.

Advantages of Earning a Doctorate in Social Work

If you are already working as a licensed social worker, you may wonder why you should invest the time and money into earning a doctorate in social work. Today, the need for highly trained social workers in advanced practice and leadership roles has never been greater, and earning a Ph.D. or DSW comes with many advantages.

Salary Potential

A doctoral degree expands your career opportunities in administrative roles, with salaries significantly higher than master’s-level positions. According to a report from the National Association of Social Workers , DSWs earn $20-$25,000 more than MSWs.

Opportunities in Academia

The increased enrollment in social work programs has resulted in the need for more social work educators to train the next generation of professionals. Most college-level teaching positions in social work require a doctorate. Postsecondary social work teachers employed at colleges, universities, or professional schools earn an annual average salary of over $78,000 a year.

Increased Credibility

As the most advanced practice-focused degree in the field, a doctorate provides you with a high level of expertise and the credibility to address complex social work issues, formulate social policy, and bring about social change. A doctorate in social work establishes you as a “thought leader” and critical thinker with the insight and skills to make significant contributions to the field.

How to Apply to a Doctorate in Social Work Program

Required application materials for DSW or Ph.D. programs vary by institution. Most often, schools request official transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and a current resume. Be prepared to submit a personal essay outlining why you are seeking the degree, what you hope to accomplish with it, and why you have chosen to apply to this program.

Admission requirements also vary by program. In general, applicants must hold a master’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and at least two years of post-MSW practice experience. Some programs may admit individuals who have earned a graduate degree in a related field, such as counseling or psychology.

The best DSW programs look for candidates with strong undergraduate academic records, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA. A growing number of programs no longer require GRE scores for admission.

What Can I Do with a Doctorate Degree in Social Work?

A doctorate provides a respected credential to advance in clinical practice and to move into leadership positions. Doctorate-level graduates find employment in social service agencies, educational organizations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. This degree can prepare graduates to take on administrative and managerial roles at the macro level; developing and implementing organizational policy; and supervising, teaching, and guiding clinical practitioners.

Employment prospects in social work remain strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% increase in social work positions between 2021 and 2031, exceeding the national average for all occupations.

When considering whether to pursue a DSW, keep in mind that educational attainment impacts salaries in almost all professions. According to a 2021 BLS report , doctoral degree-holders make $400 a week more than individuals with only a bachelor’s degree. Social workers with a DSW can expect to earn the highest salaries in the field.

Your Next Career Path: Is a Doctorate in Social Work Right for Me?

Earning a DSW or Ph.D. in social work can lead to significant professional advancement, but keep in mind that the expanded career opportunities and higher salaries also come with increased responsibilities. When choosing a DSW program, evaluate how the curriculum can help you acquire the skills needed to achieve your professional goals.

Does the program offer specializations and electives that reflect your interests? Does it prepare you to move into a leadership role in your organization or conduct research that informs policy change? Will you get the training needed to teach, supervise, and mentor the next generation of social work practitioners?

Besides the academic preparation you receive in a doctoral program, you must develop the needed “soft skills” to take on these new roles and obligations, such as perseverance, perceptiveness, and listening skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Social Work Programs

What is the difference between a dsw and phd.

The DSW focuses on advanced training for clinical practice, leadership, and applied research for policy advocacy and professional practice. The Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and methodological perspectives and research to build knowledge in the field.

How long does it take to get a DSW?

Earning your doctorate in social work takes 3-5 years, depending on whether you enroll full or part time. Some programs offer accelerated two-year options.

Can you complete DSW or Ph.D. in social work online?

Yes, though students enrolled in an online DSW or Ph.D. will need to attend local fieldwork. See our roundup of online Ph.D. in social work programs to learn more.

Where do DSW graduates work?

DSW graduates pursue careers as social work administrators, community or social service managers, policy analysts, educators, and nonprofit directors. They work in a variety of settings, including social service agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and government offices.

Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.

Take the next step toward your future in social work.

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Social Work, Ph.D.

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Saint Louis University's Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work provides rigorous coursework and research training to prepare graduates for positions in academia, applied research and policy settings. Small class sizes facilitate an atmosphere of intellectual dialogue that fosters relationships between students and faculty.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work requires 72 credits and offers rigorous methodological and interdisciplinary training for social workers and related professionals.

There are three phases to the doctoral studies curriculum:

• The first is the core doctoral curriculum. This comprises required coursework built around theory, methods and data analysis.
• In the second phase, students take additional electives and complete a synthesis project in their area of research. Students can tailor these elective courses to meet the knowledge and methodological skills needed to achieve their research and professional goals. The synthesis project summarizes the major theoretical and methodological issues, including key findings, and provides a scholarly platform for the final phase.
• The third phase consists of written exams, preparation and presentation of the dissertation proposal and the completion of the dissertation.

Research Opportunities

Building on the foundations of required coursework, students will develop individualized plans of study that will meet intellectual and professional requirements. These concentrations consist mainly of elective coursework and participation in mentored research. Students will also complete a dissertation project corresponding with educational and professional goals.

SLU's Ph.D. in Social Work provides a solid foundation for an academic career or as a social work research scientist in practice or policy settings. The program has a strong interdisciplinary and methodological orientation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a master's degree in social work or a closely related field.

Application Requirements

• Application form 
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Interview with the faculty program director
• Statement of purpose (two-three pages, single-spaced) detailing research interests, career goals and fit with current faculty research
• Writing sample such as a published article, course paper, agency technical report or a grant proposal  

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements: 

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency . SLU's Ph.D. program requires a TOEFL score of 92 or higher or equivalent PTE Academic score. 
• Courses taken and/or lectures attended
• Practical laboratory work
• The maximum and minimum grades attainable
• The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
• Any honors or degrees received.
• Credential Evaluation Reports (such as the WES, ECE, Spantran, or Scholaro) are required. 

If admitted to the School of Social Work, the International Office will require additional documentation to issue an I-20. Questions about these requirements can be directed to  [email protected] .

Application Deadline Feb. 15

Review Process

The admissions committee considers several factors to determine eligibility: academic achievement, strength of the undergraduate program, application information, personal statement, work experience, any graduate degrees earned, letters of recommendation, motivation and a commitment to a research career. The undergraduate and graduate GPA is weighted with other criteria in the admissions process.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Most doctoral students receive funding in the form of a graduate research assistantship for full-time students or tuition scholarship for students retaining their employment. These awards are competitive and are based on prior academic performance, research potential and fit with the program. Awards are determined upon admission into the Social Work PhD program.

Students can petition to have up to 24 credits of electives count toward the 72-credit total from an approved M.S.W. or closely-related Master’s degree.

Non-Course Requirements

Written exam.

As required by the Office of Graduate Education, the doctoral program administers written examinations following successful completion of the doctoral course series, the methods core coursework and the required elective courses.  The written examinations are structured to assess the student's knowledge and skills in the foundational, contextual, methodological and analytical skills needed of all social work researchers.

The written examination assesses students’ achievement of the doctoral competencies covered within the general and concentration curricula and also reflects their expertise in a specific area of research. The written examinations combine two components:

• Foundation (theory, methods, statistics) material
• Research area

The written exam is conducted by a committee of three faculty members who are likely to compose the dissertation committee. Questions are approved by the director of the doctoral program. The exam takes place across two sequential days and can be arranged anytime during the school year. The written exam should reflect competencies covered in the doctoral course series and reflected topically in the research area synthesis. As such, questions can be generated that focus on a research area but are also tied to theoretical and methodological issues.

Oral Examination

The oral examination is intended to focus on the proposal of the dissertation. The presentation usually consists of a statement of the problem, literature review and the research design prepared for the investigation.  The exam is structured to assess the student’s comprehensive knowledge of prior literature, ability to integrate knowledge across the discipline, and ability to design an appropriate research approach that significantly expands this body of knowledge. This is when the student presents a proposal for what they intend to do prior to actually starting their research. 

The oral examination must follow the written exams and is normally scheduled after the student completes all structured academic coursework.

Defense of the Dissertation

Upon completion of the dissertation, students publicly present and defend their dissertation before their dissertation committee.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Behavioral Science, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or Other

To be determined by the student and mentor based on the needs for the overall plan of study. Can be taken in departments inside or outside of the College

Program Notes

If the student plans an academic career, it is valuable to obtain teaching experience. These experiences can be obtained via assisting a faculty member with a course or independent teaching. In addition, the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning offers workshops and a certificate in teaching that can be obtained while being a doctoral student.

For admission questions contact:

Social Work School Graduate Admissions Office [email protected] 314-977-2752

For program questions contact:

Michael Vaughn , Ph.D. Director of Ph.D. Program in Social Work Professor of Social Work [email protected] 314-977-2718

PHD IN SOCIAL WELFARE

Bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) Program will transform you into a scholar well-equipped to identify and solve social problems – both close to home and around the world. Grounded in innovation and academic rigor, the SP2 PhD allows you to explore diverse perspectives and approaches to social work, social welfare research, social policy, social theory, and social justice.

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Learn more about the PhD program and the SP2 experience.

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An Invitation from the Co-Directors

“Social welfare” is a complex term. Its basic definition is deceptively simple—the collective welfare or wellbeing of a given society. But what constitutes that wellbeing and how it can and should be achieved, who belongs in that society and can and should form and formulate the “social,” are abiding questions that have been posed, debated, and contested for as long as collective human settlements have been in existence. World-shaping works of art, science, and philosophy have been crafted to answer these questions. Disagreements on those answers are at the heart of the social, cultural, and political tumult in which the U.S. is embroiled. Social welfare is, in other words, a weighty, vital, and pressing field of study.

The social welfare field draws from all social science disciplines and the discourses of multiple professions including social work. Whatever the domain of interest—health, poverty, education, incarceration, climate change, racism, migration, philanthropy, homelessness, history, and whether it is framed as a theoretical, methodological, issue-focused, or population-based inquiry—what we seek is students interested in not only finding the answers but in critically interrogating the questions themselves. Given the school’s commitment to advancing social justice in all of its programs, the courses of study students engage in should, no matter the specific domain, actively attend to issues of power, inequality, and disparity.

We believe that the vitality of the social welfare field is maintained by the passion for social justice brought by those who enter it. SP2’s rigorous yet flexible curriculum aims to provide the training necessary to forge the students’ passion into disciplined scholarship. To encourage each student to develop unique work and an individual scholarly voice, the program is intentionally interdisciplinary, designed to expose students to an array of approaches to social welfare offered by the world-class faculty of the school and the university.

The PhD in Social Welfare prepares students for careers as outstanding researchers and scholars committed to critically and rigorously analyzing social problems to propose effective, research-based solutions, to offer new theories and methods for approaching research and scholarship, and to formulate new paradigms for social welfare. We welcome your questions about the program and the school. We invite you to join us in this endeavor.

Yoosun Park, MSW, PhD Co-Director, PhD in Social Welfare Program

Tamara J. Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH Co-Director, PhD in Social Welfare Program

“ Whatever the domain of interest—health, poverty, education, incarceration, climate change, racism, migration, philanthropy, homelessness, history, and whether it is framed as a theoretical, methodological, issue-focused, or population-based inquiry—what we seek is students interested in not only finding the answers but in critically interrogating the questions themselves.”

The SP2 Difference

A highly selective program for students with a proven record of academic excellence and strong potential to contribute to their field

Instruction and mentoring from world-class faculty researchers and practitioners in multiple disciplines

Four years of support in the form of tuition, fees, individual health insurance, and stipend

INVISIBLE – leave blank

Access to Penn’s vast institutional resources

A diverse global alumni network in academia  and industry, government, nonprofits, think tanks, and research institutes

World-Class Faculty

The PhD program faculty are here to help you shape your specific area of expertise, drawing on their own decades of scholarship, teaching, and experience in areas including mental health , queer studies , sex work, homelessness , incarceration, gerontology , foster youth , and more .

Coursework provides students with core knowledge and skills as well as the opportunity to develop a specific expertise area. Papers and projects in core courses, combined with strategically selected electives, ensure a broad understanding of the field as well as deep study in the theoretical and empirical aspects of a specific area.

Students work with their academic advisors to develop an individualized plan for five electives. Graduate-level electives can be taken in any Penn department. At least one of these electives must be an advanced methods course, such as advanced statistical methods or qualitative research methodology.

Courses may be offered in varying order and year of program. Students are notified of such arrangements well in advance.

*Subject to change.

Fall Semester

• SOCW 8110: Social Theory
• SOCW 8520: Social Welfare Research Methods
• SOCW 9010: Proseminar
• SOCW 6300: Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics

Spring Semester

• SOCW 8030: Advanced History and Philosophy of Social Welfare
• SOCW 8550: Advanced Social Welfare Research Methods
• SOCW 8970: Applied Linear Modeling

Second Year

• SOCW 8610: Advanced Policy Analysis Research Methods or elective
• Theory Course or Elective
• Advanced Methods Course or Elective
• Theory course or elective
• Advanced methods course or elective

Third & Fourth Years

Fall & Spring Semesters

• Dissertation research & writing
• Teaching practicum

Your Experience

You’ll devote 15 hours per week to a research fellowship during your first year and 20 hours per week during your second through fourth years. You typically begin by working with your first-year advisor to identify research experiences that align with your skills and interests. To develop a broad range of methodological skills, we encourage students to work on multiple faculty projects as well as their own research.

Each student is assigned a doctoral advisor upon entering the program. At the end of their first year, students are encouraged to assess the arrangement and decide whether to continue with that faculty member or to choose another advisor from among the Graduate Group faculty. The advisor helps the student prepare an individual educational plan, choose courses, form a dissertation committee, and become familiar with SP2 and Penn’s wide array of educational resources. Students are responsible for initiating meetings with their advisors at regular intervals.

Please see University guidelines for best practices around academic advising and building strong mentor relationships.

After completing all required coursework, typically at the end of the second year, students must take the Preliminary Exam.

After completing the required coursework and passing the Preliminary Exam, students defend their dissertation proposal. Upon a successful defense, students become PhD candidates.

A dissertation defense serves as the program’s final examination. Passing this defense completes all degree requirements.

Recent Awards & Honors

Federal research awards.

Shana Merrill

• American Board of Genetic Counseling, up to $50,000

Alexandra Schepens

• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31), National Institutes of Health, 9/1/2014 – 8/31/2017, $105,409
• Yoga Intervention for Substance Use and ART Adherence in Community Reentry.

National Research Honors

Michael L. Shier, PhD’15

• Received the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS) for the Doctoral Dissertation Award for 2015-2016. Each year NAGS recognizes an outstanding dissertation that has been produced by a PhD candidate at one of its member institutions. The $1,000 award is presented at the annual meeting.

Staci Perlman, MSW’01, PhD’10

• Selected by the American Psychological Association Section on Child Maltreatment to receive the Early Career Award in the Field of Child Maltreatment. This award recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field within eight years of receiving a terminal degree and who have demonstrated the potential to continue such contributions. One award is made each year to a practitioner or researcher whose work has demonstrated an influence on the field of child maltreatment.

Sara Wiesel-Cullen, PhD ‘11

• Awarded honorable mention for the best dissertation from the Society for Social Work Research. Her dissertation chair was Professor Phyllis Solomon. Washington, DC: January 2012.

Joanna Bisgaier, PhD ’11

• Received the 2012 Student Research Award for Social Work Research from GADE (Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education). Shown are Jill Duerr Berrick, awards committee chair; Joanna Bisgaier; Karin Rhodes, Joanna’s dissertation chair; and Kia Bentley, Chair Elect of GADE. Washington, DC: January 2012.

The Hal Levin Award

Presented to a meritorious doctoral student who is continuing the process of completing coursework. All students enrolled in classes at the time of award nominations and who have passed their preliminary exams are eligible to be nominated. The recipient is chosen by nomination and voting of the SP2 faculty. Dr. Herman (Hal) Levin was a professor in the School of Social Work.

Recent Recipients

• 2023-2024: Husel Husile
• 2022-2023: Samaita Jana and Codi Smith
• 2021-2022: John Gyourko
• 2020-2021: Jessica Cho Kim
• 2019-2020: Michelle Mullen
• 2018-2019: Viviana Chiu-Sik Wu
• 2017-2018: Allison Russell

Penn Healthcare Innovation Challenge

• Meagan Cusack, 2020

Frank R. Bruel Memorial Prize

Social Service Review recently announced that the 2022 Frank R. Bruel Memorial Prize has been awarded to Aaron Gottlieb and SP2 graduate Kalen Flynn MSW ’09, PhD ’18. The prize honors their article, “The Legacy of Slavery and Mass Incarceration: Evidence from Felony Case Outcomes.”

Presidential PhD Fellows

• Sandhya Jha
• Sharon Zanti
• Jessica Kim
• Rebecca Pepe
• Mira Phillips
• Christopher Wodicka

Career Success

Our PhD graduates go on to hold prestigious positions in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, research firms, and more. Here are just some of the places where our recent graduates have found full-time employment:

• American Federation of Teachers
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General
• U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorney
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center to End Homelessness
• Columbia University, School of Nursing
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem, School of Social Work
• Hong Kong University, Department of Social Work
• McGill University, School of Social Work
• National Institute on Poverty
• New York University, School of Social Work
• Rutgers University, School of Social Work
• Temple University, Graduate School of Social Work
• University of Massachusetts, School of Public Policy
• University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
• University of Toronto, School of Social Work
• Yonsei University

FEATURED ALUMNI

Amy blank wilson, phd ’06.

“I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to pursue my PhD studies at SP2. The invaluable education and training I received at SP2 created opportunities for me to help develop policies and practices for people with mental illness that I could only dream about when I was a practicing social worker in the community mental health system. Through my educational experiences at SP2, I also built relationships with faculty and fellow students that continue to support and fuel my work to this day.”

Ready to join the PhD community?

Related news.

SP2 honors five accomplished social change agents at 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony

Five distinguished alumni were celebrated at the 2024 SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 17. The event marked the sixth year that the School has honored alumni through the SP2 Hall of Fame.

Faculty & Research

Exploring sustainable development & the human impact of natural disasters

What factors allow people to prepare for and recover from natural disasters? Dr. Chenyi Ma, a research assistant professor at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), conducts interdisciplinary research that investigates the role of inequality in disasters’ impact and points to policy solutions.

SP2 ranked #8 among Schools for Social Work by U.S News & World Report

SP2 has been named #8 among Schools for Social Work in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. This marks SP2’s highest ranking ever, and the second time that the School has appeared in the list’s top 10.

Coordinator, PhD in Social Welfare Program

215 573 7268

eerich@upenn.edu

Related Links

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PhD Student Handbook >

CURRENT PHD STUDENTS >

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2024 PhD in Social Welfare Graduates >

Ph.D. in Social Work

A Ph.D. in Social Work will be offered as an online program with students enrolling in hybrid-synchronous (meeting bi-weekly), synchronous, (meeting weekly) or asynchronous (no meetings) online classes.

The curriculum of the program extends from the social work knowledge base and its values and principles. It also draws upon broad theoretical and empirical knowledge from related disciplines helpful in the formulation, analysis, and solution of social problems.

Specific curriculum content focuses on the assessment and application of social work perspectives and behavioral and social science theories, research methods, social work education, critical analysis and assessment of social problems, social welfare policy, and knowledge development in a substantive research area of interest.

About This Program

MISSION STATEMENT

Continuing the historical heritage, belonging, and pride of HBCUs, the Social Work doctoral program at AAMU prepares visionary thinkers to address the grand challenges of our time. Equipped with empathy, technology, and cultural skills to support rural and vulnerable populations, AAMU’s social work Ph.D. graduates are trailblazers in research, education, and advancing social justice. 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

To be considered for admission to the PhD program in Social Work, the applicant must meet the admission requirements outlined by the School of Graduate Studies. In addition to meeting admissions criteria for admission to the School of Graduate Studies, students must meet admission criteria set by the Ph.D. Program.

Admission to the PhD in Social Work Program is based on having the following:

• A master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in graduate courses
• Academic promise, as evidenced by above average achievement in undergraduate and professional education.
• Professional competence as demonstrated through substantial experience in responsible social work, internships or other positions either during or subsequent to the master's program.
• Personal qualities compatible with performance in social work indicating a potential for leadership in the field: Relationship skills, flexibility and openness to new ideas, maturity, identification with the profession of social work and commitment to furthering the development of the profession.
• Satisfactory performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all international students prior to the date of application.
• Submission of all application materials as outlined in the application process.

Department Information

Visit the Social Work website

Contacts Information

Dr. cassandra l. scott, ph.d., msw, cfsw,.

Assistant Professor, Alabama A&M University Interim Coordinator of PhD in Social Work Program

[email protected] (256) 372-8301

Additional Information

• Application - Graduate Admissions - Alabama A&M University
• Application Requirements 
• Curriculum - Graduate Catalog - Alabama A&M University
• Admission & Fees: Tuition & Fees - Alabama A&M University

Lead the way

• John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College Health and Human Sciences
• Academic Departments & Programs
• Social Work and Sociology

Doctorate in Social Work

The Doctorate in Social Work is an innovative terminal degree program that leverages the strengths of its two presenting institutions, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. 

Click here to learn more about program requirements, curriculum, faculty, funding opportunities, admissions and orientation.

Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr., and Hairston College Dean Elimelda Moige Ongeri at Spring 2022 Commencement exercises. 

GRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Carmen Monico, Ph.D. , Associate Professor of Sociology & Social Work Email Phones: 336-285-2049 or (336)-285-2361 Department of Social Work & Sociology  201 Gibbs Hall 1601 East Market Street  Greensboro, NC 27411

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Phd program, phd program in social welfare.

The UW School of Social Work doctoral program stands out among advanced social welfare programs by offering an array of academic resources available at one of the nation’s premier research universities. Transdisciplinary opportunities and faculty mentorship enrich the learning experience and help to shape a viable career path in social justice teaching, research or public service. It’s one of the key reasons our graduates find work in highly regarded social work programs throughout the country.

Is a doctoral education in your future? Find answers to some of your questions at  FAQ About the PhD Program .

For more information about the application process, refer to Apply to PhD .

About the PhD Program

Read program director Roberto Orellana's vision for delivering a world-class advanced degree in social welfare.

PhD Degree Requirements

Find out what you need to know about required and elective courses as well as additional course expectations.

College of Social and Behavioral Health: PhD in Social Work

• College of Social and Behavioral Health
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
• PhD in Social Work

Learning Outcomes

Minimum degree requirements, course sequence.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

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• MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• MS in School Counseling
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Program Website  

The PhD in Social Work program is designed to prepare experienced social work professionals as leaders, researchers, educators, and supervisors in the field. This program offers students an opportunity to engage in a core body of social work knowledge and processes that focus on the history and development of the profession, contemporary issues in social work, advanced social work theory and practice, program planning and evaluation, and research methods leading to a dissertation experience designed to prepare students for their roles as leaders and advocates for social change in the field.

Graduates of this program are able to:

• Synthesize scholarly research and theory to examine gaps in social work knowledge.
• Demonstrate the skills necessary to create and implement ethical research designs that take into account cultural factors to expand social work knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to employ a variety of research approaches to understand or address the etiology and dynamics of social problems and needs.
• Evaluate research related to social work interventions, social programs, and the empirical knowledge-base.
• Analyze social problems related to the field of social work from a culturally aware, ethical, and empirically-driven perspective.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to advocate for social change.
• Demonstrate the ability to use scholarly research to advocate for policies and practices that advance the economic and social well-being of culturally diverse clientele.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in social work practice and research.
• Professional Development Plan
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (20 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Research Courses (20 credits)
• Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency (1 credits per term for five terms)
• Dissertation support course (5 credits)
• Dissertation (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)
• Quarter Plans
• Four residencies

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core courses (20 credits), specialization courses (15 credits).

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision

Specialization in impact leadership in social work administration, specialization in social work education, foundation research courses (15 credits).

Courses comprising the Foundation Research Sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8210 and RSCH 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

• Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

All PhD students are required to complete one advanced-level research course that mirrors the methodology of their intended dissertations. The university offers three advanced courses; individual programs may have other advanced options. Students should refer to their specific programs of study to determine program-specific requirements.

One of the following three courses is required:  

• Students may take this a non-degree course.

Residency Requirements

• Complete Residency 1 as soon as you begin your program;  should be completed in Term 1 or Term 2.
• Complete Residency 2 within 18 months of your start date or linked to your registration for or completion of your first research course.
• Complete Residency 3 by the end of your third year.
• Residency 4 General  (RESI 8404) OR
• Residency 4 Proposal Writing  (RESI 8404Q) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative  (RESI 8404R) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative  (RESI 8404S) OR
• Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting  (RESI 8404T) OR
• an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
• a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements.  NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
• Optional:  Complete a PhD  dissertation intensive  (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone

Dissertation Writing Courses

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Specializations Not Currently Accepting New Students

Specialization in addictions and social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in clinical expertise (not currently accepting new students), specialization in criminal justice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in disaster, crisis, and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in family studies and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in medical social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in policy practice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in social work administration (not currently accepting new students).

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general,students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their dissertation, and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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Social Work Ph.D. in Social Work

Our next admissions cycle will be in Fall 2024 for a Fall 2025 program start date.

• Social Work
• Programs and Degrees

Ph.D. in Social Work

Ph.d. in social work program earn your doctorate in social work.

As full members of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education, the School of Social Work believes the purpose of the Ph.D. in social work is to prepare students to be scholars who function as “stewards of the discipline.”

Our program offers

• Forward-thinking approaches to professional education, addressing critical social issues, and transforming professional practice and social policy
• Interdisciplinary training and collaboration opportunities to enhance health and well-being across local and global community systems
• Flexible full-time and part-time programs of study

Each student works closely with their adviser and graduate committee to develop their own learning agenda and dissertation proposal. The student’s background, experience, personal schedule, and learning goals are considered when developing the program of study.

CSU’s Social Work doctoral program is part of the  WICHE/Western Regional Graduate Program exchange.

Learn more about how you can tailor your program to fit your research and career interests.

Meet Our Students

Interdisciplinary research centers.

You will have the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary research centers during your doctoral tenure.

Social Work Research Center

Creating partnerships that bridge the gap between research and practice, transform the human services landscape, and strengthen families and communities.

Human-Animal Bond in Colorado

Improving the quality of life for people of all ages through the therapeutic benefits of companion animals, via animal therapy programs, education, and research

Regional Economic Development Institute

Aiming to understand, analyze, and inform economic development strategies in struggling rural and urban areas through engaged research.

Prevention Research Center

Promoting health and well-being across the lifespan for individuals and families through coordinated, effective prevention services.

Institute for Research in the Social Sciences

Connecting and supporting social scientists with other researchers, and university, community, and industry partners.

.st0{fill:#231f20} Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging

Promoting research, education, and community engagement around current issues involved in healthy and successful aging.

Featured Faculty Research

Dr. anne williford.

Ph.D. Program Director and Associate Professor Dr. Anne Williford’s research focuses on identifying effective strategies to prevent bullying, violence, and peer victimization, and promote positive behavioral health outcomes among children and adolescents. She is currently the principal investigator of two projects funded by the Spencer Foundation aimed at testing the effectiveness of  a high school-based prevention program, Sources of Strength . The projects include a qualitative process evaluation of the intervention’s underlying change mechanisms, and a longitudinal study investigating the impact of the program on post-high school trajectories .

Dr. Shannon Hughes

Dr. Shannon Hughes studies critical perspectives in mental health and advances social work leadership in psychopharmacology. Since 2018, she has been leading an innovative drug-free mental health care study to evaluate a biopsychosocial approach to mood-related distress in young adults . Funded by the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care, it includes education, peer support, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, and recreation-based social networking. She is also collaborating on the development, delivery, and evaluation of a curriculum for child welfare workers on psychotropic medications with youth in foster care. Dr. Hughes heads the Alternatives for Mental Health and Healing Lab .

Dr. Paula Yuma

Dr. Paula Yuma studies the effects of environmental, economic, and social characteristics of neighborhoods on the health and well-being of individuals, with an overall goal of eliminating health disparities.  She has recently led funded research projects on equitable outdoor engagement for youth (Colorado Health Foundation), supporting healthcare and social service providers with coping and resiliency after disasters (The Americares Foundation), relationships between behavioral health and child maltreatment, including how access to care protects children at risk for maltreatment (The Colorado School of Public Health), and disparities in traumatic injury prevention and care in rural communities (Colorado State University Extension).

Social Work Curriculum

Resources useful links, paying for graduate school.

There are a number of funding opportunities available for our graduate programs.

Advising and Support

Get in touch with our Graduate Program Coordinators to answer your questions and get started on your doctoral journey.

Career Opportunities

Learn how your graduate degree will lead to your next career.

Student Highlights

Quinn hafen: holding social work to its own standards.

From Patagonia to Fort Collins, a search for impact and fulfillment leads to work on whiteness in social work.

Creating a more empathetic model of mental healthcare

The biomedical model of mental health care can arguably do more harm than good, says Arnold Cantu. His recent publication sets the stage for alternatives.

Vice President for Research Graduate Fellowship awarded to an unorthodox research team: Meet Tiffany Banks and her dog, Abe

Doctoral Student in the School of Social Work, Tiffany Banks, was named a VPR Fellow for her dedication to animal-assisted intervention.

Social Science and Social Work

Explore the intricacies of social behaviors. Examine cultural interaction through a scientific or humanistic lens. Develop your ability to understand, interpret, and positively impact our global culture. When you pursue an advanced degree in the social sciences or social work, you prepare yourself for a career in fields that include anthropology, social intervention, quantitative analysis, clinical social work, and ethics.

• No. 6 Sociology of Culture programs
• No. 7 Social Stratification, Sociology of Population, and Macroeconomics programs
• No. 8 Information Systems programs
• No. 9 Microeconomics programs
• No. 10 Development Economics programs

Information Systems

Social science, social work.

Virtual Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-992-4723

Economics: MA , PhD , PhD/JD Graduate School of Arts and Science; dual JD w/ School of Law

Economics: MS NYU Abu Dhabi

Economics: PhD Stern School of Business

Public Policy: MS Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Public Policy Analysis: AdvC Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis: AdvC Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Real Estate: MS School of Professional Studies

Applied Urban Science and Informatics:   AdvC , MS Center for Urban Science and Progress

Bioinformatics: Cert , MS Tandon School of Engineering

Biomedical Informatics: MS Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences

Computer Science: MS , PhD * Tandon School of Engineering

Human Capital Analytics and Technology:   MS School of Professional Studies

Information Systems: MS Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Information Systems: PhD Stern School of Business

Management and Systems: MS School of Professional Studies

Project Management: MS School of Professional Studies

Urban Infrastructure Systems: MS Tandon School of Engineering

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

Applied Quantitative Research: MA Graduate School of Arts and Science

Applied Statistics for Social Science Research:   MS Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Archaeological Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Bioethics: MA * School of Global Public Health

Biological Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Counseling Psychology: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Developmental Psychology: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Digital Humanities: AdvC Graduate School of Arts and Science

Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting: MS School of Professional Studies

Food Studies: MA , PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Health and Human Rights: AdvC School of Global Public Health

Human Development and Social Intervention:   MA Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Human Resource Management and Development: MS School of Professional Studies

LGBT Health, Education, and Social Services: AdvC Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Linguistic Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Linguistics: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Psychology and Social Intervention: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Social and Cultural Analysis: MA Graduate School of Arts and Science

Social Psychology: PhD ✝ Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociocultural Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology: PhD NYU Shanghai and Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology of Education: MA , PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to earn an MD/MA in Bioethics dual degree in collaboration with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. ✝ Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program .

Clinical Social Work: DSW Silver School of Social Work

Social Work: ExecMPA/MSW , MSW ,  MSW/JD , MSW/MPH , PhD Silver School of Social Work; dual ExecMPA w/ Wagner Graduate School of Public Service; dual JD w/ School of Law; dual MPH w/ School of Global Public Health

Social Work: MSW NYU Shanghai and Silver School of Social Work

Social Work and Child Development:   MSW/MA Silver School of Social Work (w/ Sarah Lawrence College)

If you’re excited by more than one subject and would like to combine them to create your own individualized program of study, you may be interested in the MA in Individualized Study degree at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Back to Programs and Degrees

PhD Student Resources

Find the resources you need for financial aid, scholarships, housing information, and more. 

Academic and community resources that are applicable to all students can be found on our  Resources for All Students  page.

Please note:  Most of the content in this area of the site is stored in Google Drive. To access some of it, you need to be logged into Gmail with your NYU credentials, and you will be prompted to do so if you are not already. Access to the PhD Resource Hub is limited to current PhD students.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Below are resources provided by the Scholarship and Financial Education (SAFE) Office to guide you through the Financial Aid process at Silver. This includes how to set up your account, apply for and accept your aid; guidelines for keeping your NYU Silver scholarship; information on how aid is applied to your account; and a general overview of various financial aid policies.

• How to Apply for and Accept Financial Aid
• Competitive School-Based Named Scholarships
• Guidelines to Keep Your Silver Tuition Scholarship
• NYU Student Emergency Fund
• PhD Financial Aid Guidelines
• Deferral and Tuition Refund Policies
• Dual Degree Programs - Scholarship Distribution and Residency
• Financial Aid FAQs

Housing Information

NYU Silver’s PhD program does not provide on-campus housing, however NYU provides information about securing off-campus housing in NYC and what is needed as well as searchable listings of current apartments, a roommate finder function, and more.

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Admission Steps

Social work (denver campus program) - msw, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2025-2026 academic year

See 2023-2024 requirements instead

See 2024-2025 requirements instead

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

Final submission deadline: July 31, 2025

International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

Final submission deadline: December 9, 2025

International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 95

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 185

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 125

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Letters of recommendation are optional. Our holistic approach to reviewing applications, with or without a letter of recommendation, is a reliable basis for making a final admission decision. If you choose to submit an academic and/or professional letter of recommendation, your recommenders should know you well and be able to speak about your background, your passion for social work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Essay instructions.

Your Career Goals Statement is an essential part of your application. Your rationale for entering the social work profession, your self-awareness, creativity, critical thinking and writing skills are major factors committee members consider when reviewing your application. The average statement length is four pages; submissions exceeding six pages are discouraged. Please double-space your statement and use a font size of no less than 12. Answer questions 1-4 below. Answering question 5 is optional. Prior to writing your essay, review the NASW Code of Ethics. 1. Rationale: Identify significant factors that influenced your decision to pursue a master of social work (MSW) degree and how you intend to use it in the future. (1-2 paragraphs) 2. Social work values and ethics: Social work is guided by professional values and ethics that often serve as a compass when facing ethical or value-based dilemmas. Considering the social work profession, its core values, and your values, describe the following (1 page): - What potential value-based or ethical conflict(s) do you imagine you may experience between your personal values and the professional social work values? - How do you plan to address or reconcile these conflicts (whether in the classroom, during field placement, in future practice, or any other areas)? 3. Personal and professional attributes and liabilities: Describe any cultural, economic or social challenges and/or opportunities that have provided you with a unique perspective about social work issues. What insights did you gain from these experiences about how to maintain professional judgment and performance during times of distress? (1 page) 4. Employment and volunteer history: Discuss the relationship between your educational, employment and volunteer experiences and what qualities equip you for the social work profession. Describe your experiences and feelings about working with populations different from your own. (1 page) 5. Optional: Please address any special academic or other considerations that you would like GSSW to consider in the review of your application.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include all educational achievements, relevant work experience, research and/or volunteer work.

Start the Application

Online Application

Financial Aid Information

Start your application.

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

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• CENTERS & INSTITUTES

School of Social Work welcomes six incoming doctoral students 

Posted on August 23, 2024

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work is pleased to welcome six new doctoral students into its distinguished Ph.D. program. The students arrive in Chapel Hill from different parts of the world, but with a shared passion for combating society’s most challenging issues. 

“Every year we get excited when our new Ph.D. students arrive,” Associate Dean for Doctoral Education Mimi Chapman said. “The doctoral program committee and I put a lot of work into considering who should be admitted and then recruiting those admitted students to our School. When we finally get to meet them in person, it is both the culmination of that work and a new beginning as well. We know these students will push us and teach us, just as we will do the same for them.” 

Maya Gutman 

Gutman earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she was a multi-year starter for the women’s soccer program and a mental health advisor in the athletics department. After graduating from UNC-Asheville, Gutman earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from Boston University. During that time she interned in the Boston Public Schools system, specializing in implementing and assessing mental health education services, and was a policy advocacy and data analyst intern for the Boston Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program. Gutman spent time at Boston University’s Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health to develop communications and marketing materials to help educate the community on the intersection of public health and social work. Gutman’s research interests include the development and implementation of a K–12 mental health curriculum tailored to every community. Gutman will pursue those interests under the guidance of Professor Paul Lanier. 

Hana Daher 

Daher is an international scholar with more than a decade of experience in the field of social work. While attending college in Brazil, Daher earned a junior research scholarship from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) at the research group of Social Security and Labor at the University of Brasilia. Daher, who earned her master’s degree in social and cultural psychiatry at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, began working for the Government of Brasilia in 2009 as a clinical social worker with a specialty in homelessness services. Three years later she was hired as a consultant for the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Hunger Alleviation to help enhance the capacity of more than 5,500 Brazilian cities and villages to administer the Bolsa Familia Program. Daher has lectured at various institutions, including the Catholic University of Brasilia, the University of Coimbra and the University of Brasilia. Since 2022, she’s worked for the research group “Pesquisar SUAS” to develop research about the data system of social assistance in Brasilia. Daher, whose research interests include homelessness, social justice, public policing and mental health for the underprivileged, will work under the guidance of Associate Professor Hsun-Ta Hsu. 

David French 

French, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, is very familiar with the School of Social Work after earning his MSW degree from the School in 2024. While at Appalachian State, he interned at the Homestead Recovery Center in Boone, N.C., to provide access to peer support, housing needs to unhoused adults with substance use disorders, and harm reduction supplies. He’s continued his work with unhoused community members in the Triangle area, working as a client advocate in rapid re-housing interventions in Durham and Orange County as well as Union and Watauga County. French’s research interests include substance use disorders, and finding strategies to enhance the availability and accessibility of housing and related educational interventions for unhoused adolescents and adults. French was mentored by Sandra Reeves Spears and John B. Turner Distinguished Professor of Social Work Trenette Clark Goings and Clinical Associate Professor Tauchiana Williams at the INSPIRED Lab for UNC. He will continue under Goings’ guidance while pursuing his doctoral degree.  

Lea Efird-Green 

Efird-Green is a two-time Carolina graduate who not only earned her bachelor’s degree from the University, but also obtained a Master in Public Administration and MSW degree at UNC. Efird-Green’s research interests include policy and systemic interventions in the field of aging and the long-term care workforce, and intersections among aging, rural and immigrant populations. She is the coordinator at the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living at UNC (CEAL@UNC) and has previously worked at the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute; the ncIMPACT Initiative; the Centro para Familias Hispanas; the city of Raleigh; and the North Carolina Department of Labor. As a research project manager at the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Efird-Green has overseen projects related to direct caregiver stress, coping and resilience; reconstructing person-centeredness; accreditation in assisted living communities; and the development of a community-engaged dementia-friendly quality of life measure. Efird-Green is pursuing her Ph.D. under the supervision of Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development Sheryl Zimmerman. 

Caroline Harris 

Harris earned her bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University before earning her MSW degree from the School of Social Work in 2019. During her time at the School she was a UNC-Prime Care trainee and received specialized training in implementing behavioral health interventions in integrated care settings. Harris then worked as an inpatient hospice home social worker before moving to Massachusetts. While in the Northeast United States, Harris worked in a geriatric psychiatric unit at a hospital on the North Shore. Later, she received her clinical license and took a position at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston to pursue clinical work and research opportunities in an early-career psychosis clinic for young adults. While at the medical center she was promoted to the role of program director and conducted first-author research on substance use as a correlate of symptom severity and medication adherence in naturalistic psychiatric treatments for psychosis. In addition, she worked with adolescents and teenagers at a private practice. Harris hopes to expand her knowledge of severe mental illness while translating it to the legal system during her time at the School. Harris, whose research interests include understanding the intersection of mental health with the criminal justice system and exploring effective interventions, will work under the guidance of Research Associate Professor Tonya Van Deinse. 

Nicollette Violante 

Violante comes to Chapel Hill by way of Colorado College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, and the University of Texas at Austin, where she obtained her MSW. After earning her MSW degree, Violante worked as a bilingual medical social worker at an integrated, federally qualified health center in Central Texas. She also worked as an affiliate faculty at the University of Texas’ medical and social work schools. While practicing, Violante specialized in perinatal mental health, parenting interventions, and in the effectiveness of interdisciplinary health care teams. Violante has multiple certifications, including in parent-child interaction therapy from PCIT International and in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International. Her research interests include relational health, strengthening the parent-child relationship, reducing toxic stress, early childhood mental health and perinatal mental health. She’s also interested in interprofessional education in healthcare, social work interventions in pediatric primary care and women’s health, trauma-informed care, health equity, and integrated behavioral health. Violante, who will work under the guidance of Associate Professor Cynthia Fraga Rizo, is a board approved supervisor in Texas.  

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School of Social Work welcomes new MSW students

The School of Social Work welcomed more than 100 incoming 2-year and 3-year students for MSW orientation.

School of Social Work 2024 Ph.D. graduates begin new journey

Doctoral graduates of the School of Social Work are getting ready to embark on their next journey at different institutions across the country.

• Winona Campus
• Rochester Campus
• Admitted Students
• Community Members
• Counselors & Advisors
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Parents & Families

Master of Social Work Program Admission

Students who want to enroll in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program must complete the following application process. 

Application Requirements

MSW applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree by the time they begin this program. 

All applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate education. If you are applying for “Advanced Standing” status, you must: 

• have a Bachelor’s degree with a Social Work major from a CSWE-accredited program in 2013 or later 
• have at least a 3.4 GPA from social work courses 

Applicants with a lower GPA or who earned their degree prior to 2013 may be admitted on a provisional basis. 

Advanced standing admission is for students with an undergraduate social work degree from a CSWE accredited program.  

Advanced standing students can complete the 42 credits and 600 hours of field practicum in as little as 1 year.  

Regular standing admission is for students with a non-social work undergraduate degree. Regular standing students can complete the 60 credits and 1,000 hours of field practicum in as little as 2 years.  

Regular and advanced standing students can also choose to complete the program at a more modest pace.  

Apply to the MSW Program

Before you can be considered for admission into the Social Work graduate program, you must first apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies at WSU.  

Once you’ve been accepted to WSU Graduate Studies, you can apply to the Master of Social Work Program .  

The Advanced Standing Program begins in May and the Regular Standing Program begins in August.  

Application Deadlines

Submit your application as soon as possible since cohort spaces fill quickly. 

Any application completed by Jan. 15, 2025, will be considered for admission. After that, applications only will be accepted and reviewed if space remains available. 

Admission Decision Process

Admission to the WSU School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission to the MSW program. 

Department faculty will review your application and make an admission decision within 30 days of your application completion.  

We will contact you via email with a decision of acceptance, pending, or rejection. 

Contact the Department of Graduate Social Work

WSU-Rochester on Broadway

507.535.2584

507.535.2536

507.535.2543

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Clinician Burnout in a Post-Pandemic Politically Charged World

Clinicians are faced with significant strains on the boundaries of the clinical relationship in this politically charged, post-pandemic climate. Exhausted and pressured, clinicians need support and tools to navigate these unique stressors on clinical practice.

This training explores how clinician burnout has changed under the unique pressures we face today, and offers tools we need to address them.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the ethical strains on the clinical relationship due to the politically charged climate among health care clinicians
• Examine the concept of power, what it is and how to build it in oneself and in the workplace
• Investigate passion for work and how to reignite it when under pressure
• Connect the concept of values-based purpose with job satisfaction